Chapter 4: The Revelation of a Support Class
"You possess the support class?" The girl shook her head, her expression one of incredulity. "I have never encountered such a class before. Pray to tell, what job do you hold?"
"Um... White Mage?" I replied uncertainly.
Whispers erupted behind me, accompanied by the woman's disbelieving gaze. "White Mage? That is an unfamiliar term as well."
"Indeed? Who, then, wields the power of healing spells?" I ventured.
"Healing, you say? So, you are akin to a priest?" The girl's eyes widened in realization. "How can you assume the role of a priest without an affiliation with the church?"
I coughed, my harmless inquiries attracting unwanted attention. It became apparent that I needed a more comprehensive understanding of this world. With the rising chatter behind me and the disapproving glances cast my way, I found myself in a precarious position.
"Ah... speaking of dungeons, are there any in the vicinity?" I swiftly changed the subject.
The girl shrugged nonchalantly. "Without combat prowess, it is nigh impossible for you to survive within a dungeon. You might as well abandon such futile endeavors. To succeed, you must find a group of individuals willing to carry you, but if all you can offer is the ability to heal wounds, that holds little value. I doubt any party would be willing to accept a... what was it you called it? A White Mage."
Truly? Was the act of healing so devoid of worth in this world? It appeared I had been thoroughly blindsided. Yet, in the grand scheme of things, I had never intended to be whisked away to another realm. I had merely sought to immerse myself in a game. If that was the case, I found myself in dire straits, burdened with a job that held no practical utility. Before I could utter another word to the woman, a resounding bell reverberated through the air. Its chime did not confine itself to the Adventurer's Guild but rather resonated throughout the entire city.
The girl blinked, her demeanor shifting. "Perhaps, despite appearances, you are fated for a stroke of luck. Your services may soon be required."
"Eh?" I exclaimed, my attention instantly drawn to the Adventurer's Guild's sudden eruption of activity.
The room bustled with frenetic energy as individuals scrambled about, some seizing their equipment and gearing up, others exchanging urgent messages. Confusion washed over me as the commotion escalated. A glimpse through a nearby window revealed that the entire city had been plunged into chaos. A single toll of the bell had incited a frenzy. People sought shelter indoors, hastily shutting windows, while others rushed out brandishing weapons.
"Excuse me..." I finally managed to address the girl once more. "May I inquire as to the cause of this upheaval?"
She regarded me with a mix of disbelief and resignation, before ultimately shrugging. "The city is under attack. The bell serves as a call to arms. Your role shall be to remain here and tend to the wounds of returning adventurers. Your remuneration shall be based on the number you heal."
Having imparted this knowledge, she swiftly snatched a bag laden with equipment and hastened toward the front lines. Most of the others followed suit, converging upon the unknown battleground. Within moments, I stood alone within the confines of the Adventurer's Guild.
"Well... this was certainly unexpected."